About

Sowthadka is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannda district. The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without a ‘Garbha Gudi’ and temple structure. It is surrounded by fascinating greeneries and open round the clock for offering prayers. About 35km from Kukke Subramanya Temple is ‘Sowthadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra’ in the interiors of Kokkada. This is about 16km from Dharmasthala. The temple is decorated with lot of Bells mainly, offered by worshippers who have special wishes. One can find lot of monkeys inside the temple. The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of prasadam.Temple is 6 km from Patrame on the banks of river Kapila.

History

Nearly 800 years back, one of the temple nearby this region, which was administered by the local royal family was destroyed in the war. The idol of Ganesha, worshipped in this temple, was found by cow herd boys. These innocent boys carried this idol with bhajan, pooja all along the way to the present place of worship and placed the idol under the tree. Everyday they offered Ganesha with tender cucumber as naivedya, performed prayers, chanted bhajans. Hence from then, this shrine derived the name SOWTHADKA. (In kannada Southe(Cucumber) + Adka (A vast plain). As per the hindu vasthu tradition, Temples are built with Gopuras facing towards east, idols of diety are installed. Southadka’ is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannda district. The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without a ‘Garbha gudi’ and temple structure. It is surrounded by fascinating greeneries and open round the clock for offering prayers. About 35km from Kukke Subramanya Temple is ‘Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra’ in the interiors of Kokkada. This is about 16km from Dharmasthala. The temple is decorated with lot of Bells mainly, offered by worshippers who have special wishes. One can find lot of monkeys inside the temple. The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of prasadam. Temple is 6 km from Patrame on the banks of river kapila. Belthangady’s hidden gem, It’s a unique temple with vast expanses of lush greenery. Sitting cozily in the lap of nature amidst such a tranquil atmosphere is Lord Ganapati. Welcome to Southadka, the abode of Lord Ganapati. Popularly known as Maha Ganapati Kshetra, Southadka in Belthangandy taluk of Dakshina Kannada district is hailed as one of the many siddhi kshetras of the district. Surprisingly, not many from outside the district are aware of the existence of this temple which is located just 20 km away from the pilgrim town of Dharmasthala. Southadka’ is a pilgrimage centre located at a distance of 3 km from Kokkada in Belthangadi Taluk of Dakshina Kannda district. The uniqueness of the place is Lord Maha Ganapathi is out in the open field without a ‘Garbha gudi’ and temple structure. It is surrounded by fascinating greeneries and open round the clock for offering prayers. About 35km from Kukke Subramanya Temple is ‘Southadka Shree Mahaganapathi Kshetra’ in the interiors of Kokkada. This is about 16km from Dharmasthala. The temple is decorated with lot of Bells mainly, offered by worshippers who have special wishes. One can find lot of monkeys inside the temple. The Mahapuja is performed every year in the month of January. The temple also serves food to all the devotees in the form of prasadam.Temple is 6 km from Patrame on the banks of river kapila. Belthangady’s hidden gem, It’s a unique temple with vast expanses of lush greenery. Sitting cozily in the lap of nature amidst such a tranquil atmosphere is Lord Ganapati. Welcome to Southadka, the abode of Lord Ganapati. Popularly known as Maha Ganapati Kshetra, Southadka in Belthangandy taluk of Dakshina Kannada district is hailed as one of the many siddhi kshetras of the district. Surprisingly, not many from outside the district are aware of the existence of this temple which is located just 20 km away from the pilgrim town of Dharmasthala.

Festivals at Shree Kshetra

1. Ganahoma of 1 (one) coconut is performed daily.

2.Ganesha Chathurthi:

Offering of Ganahoma of 108 no's of coconut, 108 no's of Siyala Abhisheka with Panchaamrutha, Appa Kajjaya, Paayasa, Naivedhya and fruits followed by Mahapooja at 12:30PM and Annasantharpana to all devotees.

3.Maagha Shuddha Chouthi:

This day is celebrated as an Annual Festival at the Shree Kshetra. On this auspicious day, diety is offered with 108 no's of coconut Ganahoma followed by AtharvaSheerSha sahasraavartana Abhisheka, Panchamrutha Abhisheka, Ganahoma Kalashaabhisheka and Mahapooja at 12:30 PM. Mahaa Annsantharpana is offered to all devotees. Cultural and Religious functions are arranged in the evening. Evening at 07:00PM, Diety is offered with Moodappa Seva and Maha Rangapooja. Entertainment programmes start at night 10:00PM.